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Principal Cyber Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON ...

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Cyber Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON ...

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Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The ...

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Principal Cyber Engineer information

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How much do principal cyber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal cyber engineer in the United States is $134,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Cyber Engineer typically collaborate with other teams within an organization?

A Principal Cyber Engineer often serves as a bridge between technical cybersecurity teams, IT operations, and business stakeholders. They collaborate closely with software developers to embed security into the development lifecycle, work with network engineers to design resilient infrastructures, and advise leadership on risk management strategies. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role frequently involves translating complex security concepts for non-technical colleagues and leading cross-functional security initiatives. This collaborative approach helps align security objectives with overall business goals and ensures a comprehensive defense strategy.

What is a Principal Cyber Engineer?

A Principal Cyber Engineer is a senior-level cybersecurity professional responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing advanced security solutions to protect an organization's information systems. They provide technical leadership, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with security policies and regulations. Principal Cyber Engineers often lead complex projects, perform risk assessments, and respond to emerging cyber threats. Their role is critical in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the overall security posture of an organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Cyber Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Cyber Engineer, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, network security, risk assessment, and typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools like SIEMs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and certifications such as CISSP or CISM are commonly expected. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help you guide teams and coordinate complex security projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing robust security architectures and effectively mitigating evolving cyber threats.
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Cyber Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Cyber Engineer jobs are:
Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Fairfax, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: PolygraphTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Job Description:

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you with expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to join our cross functional Northern Virginia Engineering Discipline Team!

This position will be located at a Mission Systems Sector site in Northern Virginia.

As a Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer, you will have the following responsibilities:

  • Provide Engineering and Administrative support onsite for a team of system engineers, often deviating from industry standard procedures to meet mission needs but maintaining system security standards.
  • Develop, implement, and support solutions for systems that support mission critical and mission essential infrastructure.
  • Analyze existing systems & networks and make proactive recommendations to drive change and create efficiencies.
  • Support all aspects with the integration of new or existing network systems.
  • Collaborate with system engineers to create and deploy solutions in support of customer mission needs.
  • Maintain, evaluate, test, and apply STIG configurations for network devices.
  • Respond to security findings and Break Fix events across the infrastructure.
  • Create and maintain system network documentation including but not limited to Standard Operating Procedures and VISIO diagrams.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:

  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is required to be considered and required prior to start.
  • Bachelor's degree with 7 years of relevant experience, a Master's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, a PhD with 3 years of relevant experience, or 11 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience leading the design and maintenance of LAN & WAN based networks
  • Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively to team members and organize, prioritize, and self-manage multiple project tasks
  • Ability to use strong analytical skills to identify, characterize and isolate issues, and troubleshoot to present options for correcting those issues
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to articulate and document defects in a timely manner, and collaborate with the team and management to prioritize issues until resolution
  • Extensive experience working in Linux environments and capable of acting as a systems administrator
  • Expertise with IPv4 network design, including IP subnetting and protocols
  • Expertise with network device configuration and troubleshooting
  • Strong familiarity with network management protocols, like SNMP, SSH, syslog
  • Strong capacity to understand and perform like both a Network Architect and System Administrator
  • Strong experience managing teams of technically diverse individuals

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

The ideal candidate will have experience with one or more of the following technologies and software applications:

  • FreeIPA
  • GestioIP
  • Puppet
  • Splunk
  • Bitwarden
  • Vaultwarden
  • NAGIOS
  • CLAM-AV
  • DHCP
  • DNS
  • LDAP
  • Intermapper
  • WhatsupGold
  • Server turnup, configuration, and maintenance
  • VM setup and configuration
  • Expert on OWT, key to project
  • Network Engineering experience/knowledge
Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939